J Books

This is a wonderful book filled with poems by well known authors.
Wonderful for children who enjoy poetry. Highly recommend!

The Kennedys have done a superb job in selecting the poems for this read-aloud. The titles run the gamut of sweetly simple (Langston Hughes' "Piggy Back"), to the powerful (Georgia Roberts Durston's "The Wolf").

There is something for everyone here. Readers will find old favorites-"The Purple Cow"-as well as a few not-so-well-known but soon-to-be favorites such as William Jay Smith's lovely and lyrical "Polar Bear."

The book is divided into nine, themed sections: Plays, Families, Just for Fun, Birds, Bugs, and Beasts, Rhymes and Songs, Magic and Wonder, Wind and Weather, Calendars and Clocks, and, finally, Day and Night.

Making their appearance are, among others, Robert Louis Stevenson, Joan Aiken, Jane Yolen, Gwendolyn Books, A. A. Milne, and Wallace Stevens.

Jane Dyer, as always, does a magnificent job with the illustrations. There are full-page pictures and spot art throughout, extending and enriching the text. Readers will want to linger over the realistic, charming watercolors.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

This large, gorgeous picture book contains 123 poems perfectly suited for youthful excursions into the land of poetry. You will find many favorites here as well as bountiful opportunity to make new friends. Emily Dickinson, Rachel Field, David McCord, Jane Yolen, Christina Rossetti, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Coatsworth, and Robert Frost are just a few of the amazing talents that grace the pages of this book. From the very beginning where a qote from Isak Dinesen's "Out of Africa" explains the title of the book, we are swept up in a cavalcade of imagery, sound and experience that is a true delight and feast for the imagination. Not only is this a wonderful introduction to poetry for children it is a giant step forward toward learning about creative visualization and self-expression. It is a fortunate child who learns to evoke response from others through the mastery and selection of words. There is no better way to teach the art than to provide a child with the opportunity to experience the magic first-hand. The splendid illustrations in this book cheerily invite one to venture closer and then become the magic carpet that sweeps one from place to place within the book. The subject matter covers a broad range of topics, humorous and thoughtful, and can serve as a wonderful catalyst to further discussion about poetry and the use of the imagination. After a long and satisfying relationship with this book, may I suggest that you place a special magical pen and a blank tablet of paper in the hands of your child and discover the wonders it has helped to deliver. This book is truly an ambassador to creative expression.

Last night, my not-quite-three-year-old daughter spontaneously recited a couple dozen poems from this book to my wife and me. We were astounded. She's been requesting that we read TALKING LIKE THE RAIN to her day and night since I bought it last month, but we had no idea how deeply the poems had sunken in. What better endorsement can one give to such a book? We plan to buy several more copies as presents for my daughter's friends . . . and their parents.

X.J. Kennedy is a terrific poet as well as a top-notch editor. I highly recommend his own children's poetry books, particularly his irreverent BRATS, as well as his poetry books for adults, which include the excellent DARK HORSES and CROSS TIES.

This is a beautiful book both visually and in content. The watercolor illustrations are in the realistic style painted in fine detail. My daughter loves to look at the pictures closely as we read the poems aloud.

The poems selected cover a wide range of topics, themes, and moods. There are funny poems like limericks, serious poems about the seasons, poems about how children sometimes feel (such as the one about the boy who didn't do anything right yesterday, so he's not getting out of bed today) bedtime poems, and poems about child play.

This book was a gift and I love it so much I've since given it to other parents and children to enjoy. Everyone has been enthusiastic about it. When my daughter selects this book (which is often) it's fun for us to browse through the pages and pick poems based on the illustrations or on our mood. We'll say, let's read about sleepytime poems, or let's read funny poems. She never tires of this book. There are hundreds of poems to choose from, but the scope is not overwhelming either.

I give this book my highest recommendation. Every home should have some poetry on the shelf!

As a previous student of Dr. Konner and a student of Neuroscience and Psychology, I must say that over the years I have read many, many books on human behavior and this is the absolute best by far. There is no book that is comprable to The Tangled Wing in it's thoroughness and it's readability. I have read this book cover to cover twice and use it for reference often. His research in the field is extensive. Dr. Konner is a marvelous speaker and his writings are equally captivating. New research in the field is developed upon the information contained in this book. Anyone interested in not only neuroscience, but how people are and why they are that way should read this book. It is very enjoyable and opens your eyes to seeing the world through a whole new perspective.

My second favorite book is "Childhood" by Dr. Konner. It's a must read for anyone interested in understanding children.

If you read only one book about human behavior, this should be it. If you read many books about human behavior, this should be one of them. Prof. Konner is wise, he is erudite, he is literate, and he is humane. Rather than take one-sided positions or air only politically correct view, Konner synthesizes a huge amount of information and comes to sensible conclusions. I cannot recommend this book highly enough

I don't know how I managed to miss this one for so long (there was an earlier edition from the 1980's; this one is completely updated). Konner is a physician and anthropologist. He wrote this as an attempt "to show what an integration (of evolutionary psychology into the whole of social and behavioral sciences) might look like." It consists of an in-depth survey of the literature on the "science of human nature," and research into the biology of human "frailties" such as fear, lust, and love. He provides a very useful perspective as a cultural (?) anthropologist with great knowledge of the hunter-gatherer way of life and an understanding of the varieties of cultural expression. He frequently waxes poetic and uses substantial references to literature and the arts, of which I sometimes missed the point and which was prone to cause me to become distracted from the primary narrative as well. But give him credit for trying. Also, many chapters seemed to have no internal structure and felt like a random list of findings relevant to a subject. But I was extremely impressed with the impeccable referencing (accessed online), especially his personal recommendations for further reading.

What piqued me the most was his conclusion and final...tirade? His penultimate chapter starts with a tour of the dazzling new world created by the sequencing of the human genome but suddenly veers into a thorough and absolutely fact-based litany of why we are headed toward a Malthusian disaster if business continues as usual. He even updates Barrington Moore, Jr.'s targeting of "the attractive upper middle class mother, driving a station wagon full of happy sunburned children" (now it's an SUV and the kids are sunscreened) as the ultimate culprit in causing human misery. Several months ago I would have huzzah-ed him on and said "amen!" Now I'm not so sure of the utility of this exercise. I was actually personally offended by his statement that, "the deepest circle of hell certainly must be reserved for...'techno-optimists'." Such fools (as I) only have such hope because our homes are not yet "overwhelmed by floods, squatter populations, mafias, food shortages, electric grid failures, or epidemics."

For all the clear exposition of the causes of our potential annihilation he leaves a very scant image of our route toward salvation. Has he no imagination? Or is it just non-"academic" or Pollyanna-ish to try to envision how a successful human world might look? He only says, "It's a no-brainer: reduce population, reduce consumption, reduce pollution. That's it. Difficult? Too bad. Be grateful it's still possible. Ayres call it `God's last offer.' Take it or leave it." I think one could write a whole book in response to that....

If I were asked to recommend only one book for everyone in the world to read, this would be the one.
It is a book about ourselves, written with compassion, humor, and great erudition in the sciences and the arts. Not light reading by any means, but infinitely worth the effort.

This is probably the most complete book I've read regarding the biology of behavior. It is well updated on its previous foundation. At times it is very drawn out, but for true students of behavior it is indispensable. My one real complaint with MK's prose is his at times reliance on this concept of "spirit" as if he is trying for the old Gould tactic of appealing to the "non-overlapping magisteria" style of writing about science and "spirituality". It really, for me, takes away from the key points at times in this book. His further acceptance of the "religion is ok by me" stance in later debates is really an example of the backwards thinking of certain scientists when religion is given its pedastool on which to guard it from the taboo criticism of truly progressive thinkers (Dawkins et al) Good book anyway.

I have not had a chance to use this book yet, but I have read it, along with many books on domestic violence and I think this will prove extraordinarily helpful to children who have witnessed and overheard the terrible things adults are capable of.

This book is stunningly, beautifully wrought, heartbreaking yet perhaps allows for the slightest opening of a door. I believe it can open a dialog when used appropriately.

Used this book with a girl who was not very verbal about her witness to domestic violence. She seemed to relate to the story and, even though still didn't talk much, drew pictures about the trauma, like the character in the book did. Because it never identifies what he saw, you can use this with all types of trauma experiences.

I've been using this book in my practice for the past four months, incorporating it into my play therapy with child abuse cases. I've found that my clients can truly relate to some, if not all parts of the story. It is also a great way segway into art therapy for some small children. Additionally, because the story discusses how counselors help children, I've found that the children are more likely to trust in you more quickly as the helping professional.

Young children who have witnessed various types of violence or suffered a trauma of any kind can be helped by this book. The book is written in language children understand, using loving animal characters that they can relate to. It shows them that there is hope if they don't lock their feelings inside, and it teaches them to find some caring person to talk to.

Another reason I like this book is because it teaches adults the signs to look for in disturbed children, and what to do to help the children who need counseling.

It's not only a great resource for parents, it's wonderful for professional counselors as well.

Highly recommended. - Betty Dravis, August 2007

This book is a great resource in working with at-risk children who have experienced violence, trauma, loss... Young children need help with learning how to grieve. Parents can also learn what is normal in mourning and bereavement processes. A Terrible Thing Happened is a great story aid for helping young children and their caregivers manages the gamut of feelings and emotions they experience in the midst of emotionally challenging situations. Young children need help and guidance with learning how to express their feelings and regulate their emotions. I would recommend this book to any parent and child/family you know that has been the victim of or experienced violence or trauma.

I bought this for my mom as part of her Christmas present this year and she can't stop telling me how much she's enjoying reading it. She has only recently discovered Miss Read and she tells me she can't get enough of the series. If you enjoy a provincial read, then Miss Read is the way to go!

I just love Miss Read! Her books are wonderful! Her characters are so believeable you feel that they live in your neighborhood. I read them once every year. It is my guilty pleasure! If you haven't met the inhabitants of Thrush Green and Fairacre then you are missing out.

I came across Miss Read's books by accident and have become addicted. They are the best treatment for stress I've discovered lately. Nothing ever happens in them, and yet they keep you engaged. I've read them out of order, which is not a serious handicap. Now that Nelly and Albert Piggot are reconciled, sort of, I'm trying to find which book tells how they ever married in the first place - what an odd couple! Fey Dotty Harmer and bluff Ella Bembridge and the batty Lovelock sisters are a hoot. If you don't require suspense and action in a book, you may enjoy these as much as I have.

If you are new to Miss Read books, you can start anywhere in any of the series and find pure enjoyment. If you wish to go to a place where life is friendly but with its ups and downs, where the characters become friends you will grow to love, and the descriptions are warm and inviting, then these are the books for you.
If you are a fan of Jan Karon books, then you are in for a real treat, as Jan's books are warm and inviting but nothing in comparison to Miss Read.
If you have had a stressful day, or feeling down or alone, or want some relaxing peace and quiet, then you must buy Miss Read. I have read all her books and all are wonderful with characters you will remember for years to come and yes, even find similar to people you know in real life.
So prepare for a cozy evening, grab a Miss Read book and prepare to have the time fly. One can't say enough about these books.
Thrush Green is only one beginning!

I've corresponded on and off over the last few years with Mrs. Dora Saint, our "Miss Read", and had the pleasure of speaking with her by phone one christmas.

i have all of her books, garnered from new and used book stores over the years, and truly love her special prose.

i received a card from her daughter today in response to one that i sent, congratulating Miss Read on the 50th anniversary of her first book, Village School. Her mother is still with us, but sadly is blind now in her 90s.

her final book was A Peaceful Retirement... I can only wish her the same.

The final installment of Proust's grand `a la recherche du temps perdu' is a masterful and eloquent meditation on art, on the loss of love, and on the complex and enigmatic quality of experiencing relationships over the course of a lifetime. This is the period, the final breath of literary genius from the great Marcel Proust, who devoted his life to this great novel.

In `Time Regained,' the reader is permitted an extraordinary prolegomena on the writer's craft, a self-reflexive exposition of the literary form that prefigures post-modernity and the works of Brecht, Breton, Beckett, and all the rest of them. Proust creates a work that is more exacting, more precise and perspicacious than any work of aesthetic philosophy in the western tradition. He discloses that the art of writing is, in its essence, an act or translation.The artistic content is already contained within the mind and soul of the artist and the act of writing is an act of transporting the content to form.

This is a novel about time, and it requires time to read. In this way, Proust the reader develops a relationship with the work within the register of a temporal horizon, which mirrors the register of temporality internal to the characters and unfolding of the fictional universe that Proust has created. It is a joy to read.

Also included in this volume is Kilmartin's guide to Proust, a summation of all the central characters, events, and allusions in a la recherché for readers who (inevitably) get lost in Proust's complex literary web.

"Time Regained" is a dark ending to the "In Search of Lost Time" cycle, as Proust, sickly like his fictional narrator, unknowingly nears the end of his own life but senses its imminence. France, like the most of the rest of the world, is now a very different place. The Dreyfus affair is receding into the past under the shadow of the new war that has descended upon Europe, with Germany having ravaged Belgium and threatening to destroy London and Paris.

Many of the people with whom Marcel has associated throughout his life and whom we came to know so intimately through the pages of his chronicle are now dead, whether by disease, accident, old age, or the war. Those among the living include the Baron de Charlus, who sympathizes with the Germans and frequents a hotel that serves as a male brothel; Bloch, who has de-Judaicized his name and has assumed an English chic; and Odette and her daughter Gilberte, the latter now herself a mother, who have not so gracefully weathered the effects of aging.

Marcel himself is now an adult of at least middle age, and, as far as he is concerned, still no closer to achieving his goal of becoming a writer as he was in his youth. He has, however, started writing articles and comes to realize, as he reflects on the course of his life, that the intricate web of contacts he has made can serve as grist for his literary mill, should he decide in his waning days to take up a pen and make some contribution to letters. And, of course, over the past four thousand pages that is exactly what his author has done. Marcel muses on Time (capitalization intended), memory, and dreams as necessary elements in the creation of art, a product of so much personal pain and suffering that death can seem like a welcome reprieve.

Judging the novel as a whole now that I've finished all six volumes, I affirm that there is nothing like it, or even close to it, in literature; like "Moby Dick" or "Don Quixote" it resides in its own impenetrable legendary world of oneness. In my review of "Swann's Way," I compared Proust to Henry James, but I see now that I was way off the mark. James writes like he's throwing his weight around, imperiously demanding intellectual respect and forcing his reader into submission with his intentionally inscrutable compositions; Proust's prose, conversely, calmly and warmly invites the reader into Marcel's society and caresses him with the most delicate sensations and deepest emotions. Proust is closer to Henry Adams than he is to Henry James, but even this attempted juxtaposition is buffered by a wide margin.

Proust's style is so ornate that it is the most difficult of any writer's to describe, yet paradoxically there is nothing affected about it; he is quite possibly the most unpretentious writer in literature. He never tries to impress the reader with his erudition, even though he evidently has much, or make himself out to be something he's not; one gets the sense that what he writes is exactly what and how he thinks, as incredible as that seems. He uses humor without trying to be a comedian, sorrow without trying to be a tragedian. He is employing language simply to illustrate life and the world, and I think language has no higher calling than that.

A brilliant closing volume to the novel. It brings back the lyricism of the first two volumes. I thought in the volumes in between some of that earlier lyricism was sacrificed to the bitchiness of Proust's tone toward the aristocracy he was doubtless jealous of, and his askew view of love that stemmed from his obvious anxieties about having been homosexual. But the early lyrcism and charm of the first two volumes is largely revived in this final volume. And anyone interested in writing, as anyone who makes it to this final volume doubtless is, Proust's passages on the art of writing make rewarding reading.
The obvious flaws are that some characters who'd earlier "died" show up alive in this volume. Couples who had numerous children in earlier volumes show up in this volume having only one child; Marcel (the narrator) recognizes people and then subsequently, in the same scene, doesn't recognize them. I have NOOO idea why some editor didn't knock out these discrepancies and tighten the text. It really seems silly to me to be SOOO faithful to Proust's final manuscript as to include glaring errors. Proust was rewriting when he died. If he'd lived he would have corrected these errors and I think his intention should have been honored. But I'm still giving it five stars, since overall the experience of reading this last volume is of reading something truly brilliant.

Perhaps the most exciting publishing event of the century so far is the new translation of "In Search of Lost Time," as it is now (and more accurately) called. Finding the last two volumes is a bit of a chore, but search for ISBN 0141180366 or "Prendergast Proust" or "Ian Patterson" on Amazon. I haven't read it, but I am impressed enough by the first two volumes in this new translations that I have ordered the final two from England, where they are available in hardcover. Viking has not yet published them in the U.S. (and may not, in my lifetime) but Amazon sells the paperbacks of the British Penguin edition. They are somewhat misleadingly titled "In Search of Lost Time," which is the series title. This volume is actually titled "Finding Time Again," and the translator is Ian Patterson. (Each book has its own translator, for a total of seven. Vol. 5 contains two books and features two translators.)

I give this Modern Library edition only four stars because I am convinced that the new translation is superior. Indeed, it's not entirely clear to me who the translator is, in this case; evidently not Fred Blossom, who did the original English translation when Scott-Montcrief died before finishing the work.

The melancholy atmosphere that pervaded the close of The Fugitive is carried over into this final part of Proust's huge work. Whereas, in the preceding part, Marcel laments the loss of Albertine and his changed relationship with his long time friend, Saint Loup, the author's concerns are now much greater. France is in the midst of World War I, Paris experiencing night time air raids; and the distinction between the Guermantes' Way and Swann's Way has become even more blurred as both Gilberte, the daughter of a courtesan, and Mme. Verdurin, the insufferable salon hostess, have become members of the mystic Guermantes family. Furthermore, Saint Loup is killed in action and Marcel's hometown is occupied by the Germans. But in spite of the gravity of the events surrounding him, Marcel becomes even more self-absorbed. He still holds onto his drean of becoming a writer, but this desire begins to wane as he becomes convinced that he has neither the temperament, the knowledge nor the fortitude to follow a literary career. Then the pivotal event of the whole novel takes place: he is invited to a matinee at the new home of the Prince de Guermantes.

While waiting in an anteroom for admission to the Guermantes' reception, the author is beset by a series of sensory experiences that bring back several happy memories from his past. These recollections, both powerful and joyous, convince him that he has the ability to undertake a literary career, to be able to communicate those ecstatic moments from the past to readers of the present day. His melancholy lifted, he enters the reception to discover that his recent epiphany is only bolstered by what he finds. All around him are the decaying remnants of a fast fading aristocracy. Many of the characters that have been introduced to the reader throughout the course of the novel are met again, but now in the final years of their lives: the proud Charlus, now an obsequious old man; the Duc de Guermantes, described as a "magnificent ruin"; Gilberte, now confused with her aging mother; even Marcel becomes aware that he, too, is quickly getting old. But now seeing things with an artist's eye, Marcel becomes aware that each of these characters, as well as all those people remembered from his life, are "like giants plunged into the years, [touching] the distant epochs through which they have lived, between which so many days have come to range themeselves - in Time." Marcel's goal is clear. He will spend the rest of his life carefully bringing these giants back to life. In other words, he is ready to embark on the huge task of writing the book that the reader has just finished reading.

This part of the novel was published five years after the author's death and suffers from a lack of editing. There are many ellipses, contradictions, and time and place juxtapostion mistakes, errors that Proust would surely have tidied up if he had lived to see his work published in full. But these are paltry criticisms wthen compared to the brilliance of the total work. Unfortunately, Proust is little read these days, and many of those who attempt to read the novel are motivated by the challenge of a literary marathon more than from an awareness of the intrinsic value of the work (as I was). But regardless of the motivation, the effort (and it is an effort) is totally rewarding as the reader sees in Proust's world reflections of his own. It took me a part of seven years to read the complete novel, a period of time in which Proust's search for lost time and my own reminiscences often became linked together as the author's characters shared my own thoughts regarding things past, the specious present, and the eventual fate that awaits us all.

Kilmartin's A Guide to Proust, which is included in this volume is well worth the price of the book by itself. The guide consists of four distinct inexes to Proust's novel: characters, historical persons, places and themes. The scholarship that went into compliling these indexes is outstanding and makes it possible for the reader to spend several years (if he so wishes) in working his way through the novel without losing track of the hundreds of characters and personages included therein. One reviewer remarked, "buy this volume first"; I would only modify this advice by suggesting that the prospective reader get this volume when he purchases Swann's Way.

Very easy to read - clear and understandable. A great gift to give to your pastor who dabbles in modern evangelistic techniques.

WHY don't pastors get it? This book, in it's tiny, afternoon-reading size, hits the nail on the head. Every Christian in churches with Purpose Driven or program-embracing pastors needs to read this little volume.

If you have ever had any doubts about where you stand with God, or if you think that you can "slip" into heaven on your own standards, READ THIS BOOK! Using the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler, the author diminishes any questions about what it takes to become a true child of God.

This work by Walter Chantry ought to be read by anyone who is interested in seeing people come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. In our technique addicted society this book is a breath of fresh air. Chantry carefully walks the reader through how Jesus shared the gospel with the rich young ruler in Mark 10 and compares it to how we do evangelism today. If you are involved in sharing the gospel, are training others in evangelism or lead a Bible study or Sunday school class this book ought to be seriously considered as part of your teaching materials. Thought provoking, insightful and readable, this book will get others talking about how Christ shared the gospel

Pastor Chantry writes with a concern that addresses many of the the shallow and careless evangelistic methodologies that are still widely prevalent today. While evangelistic zeal for the lost is essential,zeal which is according to knowledge is equally important. The book highlights in places the great danger and harm that can be caused by misplaced zeal. He uses the Lord Jesus' personal evangelism with the rich young ruler because that contains all the essential elements for gospel preaching and evangelistic witnessing that should be present if our zeal is to be united with Biblical knowledge. Who better to instruct us on how to evangelize than the Lord Jesus Himself. A few of the essential elements are: preaching the law of God,preaching the character of God and preaching the necesstiy of true repentance. When preaching on the character of God the preacher is seeking to make known the attributes of God,and thereby exalt His character. Pastor Chantry thus exposes one of the great weaknesses in so much preaching and evangelism today,that being, that it is man centered when it should and must be God centered. Why is modern day evangelism and missionary labours so impotent? Walter Chantry asks in the introduction: Where is the power of Edwards and Whitfield in today's preaching? The author thinks that it is in the content of the Gospel message. Mr.Chantry writes on p.36 "The absence of God's Holy law from modern preaching is perhaps as responsible as any other factor for the evangelistic impotence of our Churches and missions." Men,women and children must know that they are lost before they can truly be saved and the preaching of God's Holy law is the means that God has ordained to bring about conviction of sin. Romans 3:20b ...for by the law is the knoledge of sin.'Today's Gospel...' will help to expose much of what is lacking in so many pulpits and many evangelistic endeavours,may the Lord be pleased to use it to that end for many years to come.

I would like to thank Joseph Tomelleri for introducing me to Robert Behnke. Like most fly fishermen, I fish for trout, in large part, because they are so beautiful, and I bought this book for Tomelleri's exquisite illustrations of trout. My first hint that I might have blundered into something more that a great coffee table book was that the forward was written by Tom McGuane. McGuane is one of my favorite authors (most recently Gallatin Canyon: Stories).

Now, I must admit that I am usually skeptical of academics as authors, and Dr. Behnke is a professor emeritus at the University of Colorado. Unlike most of his colleagues, however, Dr. Behnke is able to write well. Consequently, the book is packed with a lot of readable information about trout. I am a Michigander so I knew that the first brown trout in North America were introduced into Baldwin Creek (Baldwin, MI); however, I was not aware of the genetic diversity of the American strain. I was also interested to find out that apparently genetically identical steelhead (anadromous) and rainbow (riparian) trout breed true.

Does all this new knowledge help me select the right fly or land a raging steelhead? No. But it certainly adds richness, clarity and depth to both experiences. And, Salmon and Trout of North America, itself, is richly illustrated and is clearly written in depth. All of that, and Tom McGuane, too. What a bargin!

Mac McCauley
Professor
Wayne State University

The discussion of geologic events by Dr. Behnke, which explain how certain fish species became dispersed is most interesting as well as fascinating.
The paintings of the various fishes by Joseph Tomellari are worth the price of the book alone. All presented on high quality print and paper.

Awesome book. The CSU professor is the best authority on trout & salmon. Period! Also best illustrations you will ever see by Joe Tomelleri. A must have book for any trout & salmon lover!

Wasn't sure this book was still in print and as usual, Amazon came through and I had my copy in 5 days. You can't beat the Amazon Customer Service, delivery, and follow-up, Regards, D.K.Madison

This book is a wonderful piece of work, with great illustrations of the various species of coldwater species found in North American waters. Behnke writes in great detail on the various species of trout, salmon, char, grayling, and a few other coldwater species, and includes much detail on sub-species distribution in a current and historical context, often down to the watershed. He also includes sub-species that have gone extinct in historical times. An excellent introduction discusses such topics as the origins and evolution of Salmonids, as well as their classification, taxonomy, biology, morphology, and anatomy.

The only mild criticism I have is that more could have been written on the distribution of brook trout sub-species in the Midwest and East, along with lake trout of the inland lakes of the Upper Midwest.

The book should be in the library of every serious trout or salmon angler.

I have lived in the tri-cities area most of my life yet had never heard of the area of Kingsport known as Long Island. I saw this book on display in the genealogy section of my local library. This wonderful book is filled with short stories straight from the people who lived and experienced Long Island. This book is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about this area or just likes history.

Of the three books I've read in the past year I have to say this is my favorite and it makes my top five favorite books of all time.

Having some difficulties with your iPod? Is your MacIntosh Apple computer system on the blink? You've came to the wrong place. Macs for Dummies by David Pogue is just a few away in the technologically challenged section of the Amazon store. This book is about something different. It is about sharing stories and preserving them... especially those of the common people who put the hard work into building a tiny community into an industrious and work "Model" city.

JS Moore tells his readers early on, "This collection of stories isn't meant to be read in one sitting," but I got so absorbed with the stories I read the book in a day and a half over a weekend off.

He goes on to say "Upfront - let me just say that I am not - by any means - a writer. If anything, I would consider myself a storyteller." This merger of writer and storyteller is just the type of reading I enjoyed. The stories were simply told from many different standpoints and many times objectively, especially when the truth was obscured. The truth is left for the reader to discern often times and I liked that.

I grew up in Kingsport, but I've lived Missouri for twenty years now. My cousin suggested I read this book because her dad, my uncle is in it. I had no idea what my uncle did mostly for a living. I thought he ran a general store. The Very Still is a great story about him. I think most people believe Long Island Iced Tea originated in New York. Not me. I believe the story in this book is true after visiting with my family who confirms the drink's true origin at every get together.

I just ordered Gathering Leaves and am looking forward to another good weekend of reading.

I thought I'd share some of these letters and comments I've recieved regarding this book.

"I grew up in Long Island in the era that you are talking about and then later moved to Highland but spent the most of my life in the Island and Black Bottoms which is right across the road from Springdale.

I knew all the people you had in your book which I enjoyed very much.(C. Smith)"

"It was a joy to find your book. The title got my attention that day. Being from a small community named Ducktown and being raised around people who did understand apples and apples being such a part of our lives all year round from early Spring till way after Christmas. I could not help but to reach for your book. Then as I am reading the back and then quickly flipping through the pages I also realize that it is about our dear friend Judd Moore. You took me back to a time and to so many people that was such a part of my young life.

Your Grandfather was loved and admired by many. Such a way to honor him also.

After reading your book, I went back to get more for Christmas presents. I know it will be cherished by them as I cherish my copy... please come by and visit. I know there are memories that can be shared of Judd, Don Light, Martin Hayes and more... (S. Jones)"


"Just wanted to let you know that I finished the book today. I really enjoyed it. It was so funny to read about your pappaw taking the sausage off and blotting the grease off, because my pappaw always did that, too. He went to Hardee's, though. There was a whole group of people that were always there, and my pappaw was the "cut up." It was pretty cool, too, to read the Preface...Well, I have read it and I am now looking forward to the next one. (M. Reed)"

"A friend loaned us your book "Understanding Apples" and we've really enjoyed the local history. So, we'd like to purchase a couple copies to share with our family and friends and to reread ourselves! Let us hear ffrom you! (C. Wines)"

Thank you everyone for your kinds words and support. The next book will be released mid 2008.

J.S. Moore makes his reader realize that it's the little things that make the most indelible marks. His nostalgic recording of oral history recalls in great detail the daily habits, endearing quirks and common sense advice of his beloved grandfather.

"Understanding Apples" will give readers the unshakable need to call a parent, grandparent, teacher, etc. who has shaped their lives. Some of the chapters will have readers laughing. Others will have them crying, but every story in this book will prompt emotions and remembrances of our own childhoods.

Secrets, Lies, and Pies

This is the first book that I have read by J.S. Moore. What a unique and witty recollection of his childhood happenings. I honestly did not want this trip to end. This entire collection of stories is written as a tribute to his grandfather and what a man he must have been. The characters are so multi-dimensional that they could only be from the south, as am I. I only wish that I had the knack for remembering all of the stories of my youth, as he has done so well. Hope to see more from this young writer.

Couldn't wait to start reading this one after having read Mr. Simpson's first work, Until Death Do Us Part. This book was just as addictive. Mr. Simpson's style of writing is such that he brings you into the story physically somehow and you're wandering through the tale with the characters! This installment had me at the edge of my seat and once again got through this book in record time. You are missing out if you've not read this man's work. Bring on Unconditional Love!

Loved it! This was another page turner Mr. Simpson. He showed how at all elements of society were intertwined: corporate businesses, gangs, and academia. He weaved the paranoia of corporate business' love of money in the seemingly senseless killings of citizens. He showed how money and power are always an underlying evil. This takes a peek in how the internet is shaping the younger generation. Great development of the character Micah. He showed Micah's range of emotions and depth as a character. She is not just a killing machine gone wild. Great to have a woman kicking butt with no regrets. I also appreciate you keeping Bishop a true thug gentleman.

THRILLING and ADDICTIVE!!!! In his second book, the author clearly depicts how a woman can hold down a dangerous career, express her undying love for her man, while being the lovable, huggable and adorable mother to their two year old daughter. Micah's "bad girl" persona, coupled with her "love for Noah" is detailed in this thrill seeking, roller coaster ride you will experience in the new business partnership she has formed with Bishop (the bad boy). Their love/friendship for Noah is the ties that keep the new business partnership binded on a professional but more often brother/sister bickering level. The author has a "nack" for holding your interest, maintaining the mystery and thrill, while educating you on the "ways of the world". I read this book in one day and am now writing to Mr. Simpson's website to encourage the completion of his third book. WATCH OUT WORLD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED..A TALENTED AUTHOR IS IN OUR MIST....Purchase the books and......ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!

I could not put this book down from the frist page to the last. Can't wait for the 3rd book to be released. The persons in the book draw you in and you feel like you are going along with them for the ride. Please read the 1st book from Gregory Simpson and you will be drawn into this series!

This was one of the most refreshing books I have read in a long time. The characters were real and I was not only able to visualize them but I was able to identify with their circumstances. Mr. Simpson takes you on a journey of real life, and keeps your mind working. It was hard to put it down , very easy read and fast paced.
I can't wait until the next book!!!!

Views from Our Shoes is a wonderful collection of stories. I enjoy it every time I read it, and take something new from it each time. The first time I read this book, it helped me understand myself better. It helps to know that there are other siblings who have the same range of emotions towards their special siblings that I have toward mine. The essays do not hold back any feelings, which is important for helping other individuals.

I would highly recommend this book to siblings and parents of children with special needs. I think that siblings, both younger and older would benefit from reading this book. Especially if they have never met any other siblings of individuals with special needs. This book would also benefit parents and help them understand the feelings of their "normal" child. Children with special needs can demand a lot of attention, and their siblings will often fade into the background willingly, and it is important for parents not to let their children do this. Even though siblings may put themselves on the back burner, it can create bad relationships among family members in the future. Views from Our Shoes would be a wonderful book for children and parents to read to help them relate to each other.

My daughter enjoys this book immensely. After reading only a few essays the first day she informed me that she was happy she had a brother with special needs. I wasn't worried much before the book but it helps to cement that idea and make it one she states outloud! She was also thrilled to find the guide in the back of the book on writing her own essay about her brother. While I do feel like a few disabilities are OVER used here and many left out, it's still a good book for kids in early elementary age. It opens my daughter's eyes to the fact that not everyone has the same disease or conditions. (My son has a genetic disease as well as a chromosomal disorder.)

Overall I was pleased with this book. There is a great range of sibling ages and conditions in the book. That being said, I was surprised that there was not at least one story that was specific to a child with spina bifida. There were several children with various rare conditions, kids with Downs, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, mental retardation, autism, etc, but no spina bifida kids. The closest they came is a child who has hydrocephalus.

The market for children coping with a disability is sadly lacking in resources- books like this one are rare- and I would still recommend it to a family who had siblings, cousins or friends with any disability, including spina bifida, but I am disappointed that it was not included.

Donald Meyer has compiled a wonderful book of essays from siblings of disabled children. My thirty year old son bought me this book for my birthday. Growing up, I too was one of these children and would have truly benefitted from anything that would have explained what happened to our family. As one of these sibs, I had to grapple with guilt, embarassment and also neglect from my parents due to the resources, both financial and emotional that were poured into my sister's handicap. My heart goes out to both parents and siblings of exceptional children. It is so much pain to bear for them and they feel even worse about complaining because they are "normal."

My 11 year old daughter read this book and even asked if she could read some of "her favorite essays" to us - she is the older sibling of our 2 year old little girl who was born 17 weeks early and she has cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, is tube-fed and chronically ill. Her favorite stories were of the ones that she could most relate to - like the little boy who said he did not understand why his sibling was so ill when she was born. I think it made my daughter feel like it was okay for her to have bad and good emotions about her little sister. I think it validated them.